Faecal incontinence can be a bit of a touchy subject, you know? It’s not something people really want to chat about over brunch. It affects over 400,000 Aussie women, though. One of them is Krishna Stanton, a former Olympic athlete and all-around badass distance runner. Running was her jam, but then life threw her a curveball.
The struggle was real for Stanton. She kept it all bottled up inside, feeling pretty isolated. Enter Dr Andrea Warwick, a colorectal surgeon with over 20 years of experience. She’s seen it all, and she knows that when you’re dealing with incontinence, sports are often the first thing to go. Imagine having to give up your passion because your body won’t cooperate. That’s the reality for many folks grappling with this condition.
Incontinence isn’t just about a little leak here and there. It’s a full-blown situation that can range from a mad dash to the loo to, well, let’s just say a less-than-ideal scenario. People tend to wait until things hit rock bottom before seeking help, which is a shame because there are options out there. Approximately 27% of Aussies are dealing with incontinence, and it’s hitting the 40-44 age group the hardest. It’s not just a physical issue either—40% of sufferers say it messes with their mental health. So yeah, it’s a big deal.